FABULOUS FESTIVE FRANCIACORTA - MILAN WINE TASTING

When in the mood for celebration my desire for bubbly to mark the occasion, in particular Champagne, is well recorded. Of course, not everyone’s pocket can run to such luxury. Do be aware though that despite the many supermarket offers that fill the shelves around this time of year, the cheaper offerings make for pretty poor drinking. If real Champagne is your tipple, you should reckon on around £30 a bottle to be sure of something memorable.

If your budget means that you can only afford to splash out at around £10 a bottle, Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine from Catalonia, is a better bet; although the current conflict may give you pause for thought, depending on your political views.

At the more modest end of the scale, I have long since tired of the ubiquitous Prosecco that seems to have dominated the market in recent years. To be honest the market is so flooded that much of it is of poor quality.

On a more positive note, this festive season, during a memorable trip to the opera at La Scala in Milan, I was delighted to discover a credible bubbly alternative in the wines of Franciacorta (pronounced franchacorta), which enjoys DOCG status.

Situated in the hills of the Brescia province, lying to the south of Lago d'Iseo, the name Franciacorta is said to have been derived from an ancient term, "franca curte," that was applied to a monastic property in the district, which, as an ecclesiastical possession, was free or "franco" of taxes.

The recent international success of these sparkling wines owes much to the methode champenoise technique of making them. The introduction of this step, with a secondary fermentation carried out in the bottle, has enabled the area to improve the quality of wines already benefiting from outstanding soil characteristics and a highly favourable microclimate.

During my visit I took every opportunity to try as many as I could. One unforgettable evening was spent in a tiny bistro where, invited to a tasting, I sampled the wines of vineyard 1701, accompanied by 18 different courses of fried foods, all served on dinky paper plates. This concept of bubbly with fried foods seems to be a very popular one and it required some stamina I can tell you; we left at 11.30pm, not having got as far as dessert.

The owners of the vineyard, brother and sister Federico and Silvia Stefini, were generous in plying us with samples of several of the six wines they produce, totalling around 60,000 bottles per year, produced from grapes grown on their 10 acre site.

The name 1701 stems from the fact that this was the first documented date of winemaking here. The vineyard was revived in 2009 by two enthusiastic brothers who believe in the philosophy of the principles and methods of organic and biodynamic viticulture. Their efforts were rewarded when in July 2016, 1701 obtained its official biodynamic/organic certification. It is still the only vineyard to have achieved this in Franciacorta. The wines are testament to the benefits of an environmentally friendly approach; a healthy, living agriculture that improves and enriches the soil, without the use of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides. Since its very first vintage the vineyard has gained numerous international awards. All well-deserved, if the wines I sampled are anything to go by, and very expressive of the terroir.

Made from two of the traditional Champagne grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the wines are available in the UK through importers Les Caves de Pyrenes, and range in price from £15 to around £40. Most of their wines are, unusually, zero dosage.

A number of the wines are left in contact with the lees for a minimum of 30 months, far longer than regulations stipulate. Of note is their limited-edition vintage, which spends a minimum of 40 months on its lees.

Look out for their Satèn, made in a style typical of the region, with only 5 bars of pressure in the bottle, so less effervescent than some.

Also worth trying is Sullerba, an old vinification method where the lees remain in the bottle, unfiltered and not disgorged. Made from 100% chardonnay, it is fermented in steel tanks and terracotta amphorae, then transferred into a bottle, using the must of the same vine for second fermentation, and aged for a minimum of 18 months. Their latest offering is Surnàt, which is vinified entirely in amphora.

Other Franciacorta DOCG wines to look out for are:-

·         Berlucchi Cellarius, 2011, £19

·         La Rotonda Satèn, 2013, £20

·         La Rotonda Dizeta, 2009, 12.5%, £25

·         Ca’ del Bosco Millenium 2006, 12.5%, £36

·         Montedelma Rosé, NV, £22

The wines are not inexpensive, but will certainly make an interesting alternative for those seeking quality bubbles to get you in the mood for celebration.

Wines to go with Roast Dinner

When I recently heard that Red Tractor had launched a campaign calling for us all to ‘Save Sunday Lunch’, I knew we were in trouble. Such marketing initiatives are always in response to falling sales, no matter what the sector.

I am of an age to remember when as a family we would all sit down to a Sunday roast. In our case it was usually chicken, unless it was a special occasion, because money was always tight. It was the one time in the week, long before Sunday became just like any other day of the week, that we would all gather round the table together; with the promise of a post-prandial snooze in front of the fire for the adults, while we were assigned to washing up duties.

Nowadays, people are much more likely, if they have Sunday lunch at all, to troop down to the pub. No slaving over a hot stove, or piles of washing up to get to grips with; but, no cold leftovers for Monday either!

In this fast paced 24/7 society, we all lead quite different lives now. The latest news, that a good old British Sunday roast no longer even makes it to the top five of our favourite dishes, has been like a call to action for me. With a bit of planning and careful shopping, a Sunday roast does not necessarily have to be time consuming or expensive.

So, this month, I feel honour bound to make an effort to support our local meat industry and enjoy once more a roast with all the trimmings.

To encourage others to follow suit, here are my suggestions for matching wine styles; compensation for all of that hard work in preparing a feast fit to remember.

When we think of a Sunday roast, beef is probably the meat that comes most readily to mind, if for no other reason than that it provides the perfect excuse to enjoy a proper Yorkshire pudding. Go easy on the horseradish though, as it will kill any wine.

Beef doesn’t need a big, heavy hitting wine to ‘beef it up’. Many of the popular New World wines produced from single grapes varieties can be full of alcohol, and ‘full on’ in terms of flavour but I prefer something little more subtle. You can’t go wrong with a full-bodied, dry red wine, such as a straight forward Bordeaux Claret. Where Bordeaux is concerned, it is the blend of grape varieties used (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec) that give the wine more interest and the presences of tannins works well with a succulent joint of beef.

Alternatives such as a Rhône red, an Argentinian Malbec, or a Spanish Rioja with some age will also work well. One plea from me; if you like your meat cremated then choose something other than beef, it is a crime to cook it to death.

Although it is not my favourite meat, any time someone mentions pork to me, my first thoughts leap towards the lovely crunch of a bit of crackling; it is something I can never resist, despite having broken three teeth on it in recent years. Where pork is concerned, there is always the constant argument as to whether or not it counts as a red or white meat. Pork is very versatile, lending itself to all kinds of preparation so the choice of wine is very much an individual one, according to how the animal was reared, the cut you are eating and how you choose to prepare it. Whilst pork tenderloin can be bit dry, other cuts will respond well to a wine that can cut through the fat. For a traditional roast joint, a light red such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir with its earthy character, will not disappoint. If opting for a white wine, and with a lovely roast gammon joint in mind, I would stay away from an oaked wine; an uncomplicated Chardonnay will do the job nicely, but my personal favourite is a dry Gewurtraminer. For those of us who like a bit of apple sauce on the side, a local cider would be the perfect match.

Chicken is often the cheap and cheerful option for a Sunday roast, especially if you have a crowd to please and are on a budget. Do be mindful though that, unless you opt for a supermarket vacuumed-packed bird on special offer, a really good free-range chicken can set you back around £15 but the difference in taste is remarkable. A roast chicken to me means a crispy crackly skin, the parson’s nose, which we all used to fight over as children, and my favourite bit, the wings. Full-bodied whites are the way to go here, and for something a bit different, I find Viognier or a white Rhône are a good match. If, however, you choose to opt for a tried and trusted Chardonnay which, due to is versatility, seems to have an affinity with many foods, it is worth looking at some of the wines now emerging from Chile and Argentina.

Last but not least, my favourite meat of all, lamb. I confess that I find the ubiquitous lamb shank a bit of a bore, if for no other reason than that I prefer my meat rare. Give me a rack of pink salt marsh lamb or a leg of lamb cooked over a spit with lashings of garlic and rosemary and I am transported to heaven. Lamb can be expensive but a pot roast shoulder can be delicious, and a good old-fashioned lamb neck stew is just the job for a cold winter’s day (saves on the washing up too!). Roast lamb can stand up to a rich, full bodied red and goes brilliantly with a spicy, peppery Shiraz. For a real treat, splash out on a fine bottle of red Rioja Reserva, a premium Californian red Zinfandel or a grand cru St-Emilion from Bordeaux. Watch out for the mint sauce, which can alter the taste of any wine.

Is Gambling Responsible For The Massacre?

In the wake of this week’s events in Las Vegas, it is time that the problems relating to gambling are acknowledged, in much the same way that attention had been given to the issues surrounding smoking and alcohol consumption.

In the UK it has been some years since restrictions were placed on the advertising of alcohol or tobacco products.

When it comes to gambling though, different rules seem to apply, particularly in relation to the promotion of online gambling sites. Whilst local authorities can exert some influence when it comes to approving applications for gambling premises licenses, our government appears to turn a blind eye to the huge increase in the promotion of online gambling sites through popular TV channels. Increasingly, these sites for bingo games and online casino activity, endorsed and promoted by household names, are shown late at night on channels likely to be viewed by the more vulnerable in society; lonely, isolated and struggling financially.

Whilst those operating the premises that litter our high streets are required to demonstrate that they have appropriate measures in place to protect the punters, there appears to be no such constraints for online sites. It must surely be time for the Advertising Standards Authority to flex its muscles when it comes to the current trend for the advertising and promotion of online gambling.

I have been affected personally of uncontrolled gambling. My brother, who I was very close to, took his own life 9 years ago. It was only after his death that I became aware of the extent to which he had succumbed to the temptation of online gambling. Even after his death, the offers of more credit still kept coming, to the tune of £60,000. The effect on his family was devastating and long lasting

Like many people, I like a flutter every now and again, but I know that uncontrolled gambling can destroy the lives of all of those involved. In addition to debt, it can be the mental toll it takes on gamblers that has a wider impact, often leading to alcoholism, mental health breakdown and, as in the case of this horrendous mass shooting, violence on an unprecedented scale. 

How can any of us continue to condone this? End the promotion of online gambling sites now.

Samaritans - just a bunch of do-gooders?

In the past, Samaritans did not talk openly about their volunteer work; in part, this was to retain a sense of anonymity. 

In recent years however, although many do prefer not discuss their involvement, Samaritans are free to talk about what they do and the important role it plays, particularly when it comes to mental health.

Ii is disturbing to read that Taunton Deane has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. 

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that between 2014 and 2016 a total of 42 people in the area took their own lives; 15 suicides for every 100,000 people living in Taunton Deane, compared with the national average of 10 for every 100,000 people.

As the branch marketing and PR person for Taunton & Somerset Samaritans, I am aware that Samaritans as an organisation needs to ensure that people know who we are, what we do, where we are and why we do what we do.

I have been a Samaritan for almost 9 years, one of a local team of almost 100 who give their time to support those in need. It would be very difficult to pigeon-hole any of us, such is the diversity of my fellow volunteers. Some are as old as the hills, having been involved for decades; others are fresh faced youngsters just embarking on adulthood. It would be trite to say that we all ‘want to give something back’ and label us as a bunch of do-gooders. I decided to join my local branch because, having found out more about what Samaritans does, it seemed a no-brainer. Why, having had two members of my family commit suicide, would I not want to help prevent others having to go through the same thing? 

I am involved in a number of voluntary organisations and know that as our lives become increasingly busy all of them struggle to recruit.

To get the word out, I meet up regularly with others from across the South West to exchange ideas, looking at ways that we can continue to reach out, if only to dispel the myth that Samaritans is just for those who are suicidal. This is not the case at all.

Samaritans is there to offer a confidential listening ear to anyone who needs someone to talk to about whatever it is that is troubling them; to explore their feelings without being judged. This could be about health, work, family, personal relationships, school or college, money matters, addiction. The list in endless.

The burden of volunteering is not too onerous, just four shifts a month, the training is top notch and the people I work with are great.  Whether I am on duty, giving a talk, or running a quiz to raise much needed funds, my involvement with Samaritans is the most satisfying thing that I do. 

Whilst Samaritans may not be for everyone, we are indeed in your corner when the chips are down.

Call Samaritans on the free phone number – 116 123

Email - jo@samaritans.org

Visit us - 16 Wood Street,Taunton, Somerset TA1 1UN (9am – 9pm)

SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MEDIA

I often attend events related to some of the social issues we face. Given my own interest in mental health issues, particularly suicide, along with my media background, I was keen to take advantage of the opportunity to attend an event at Taunton College labelled ‘Suicide and Mental Health in the Media’.

After an introduction by former BBC reporter Ben McGrail, who now works for ITV, we heard from Lorna Fraser, Media Adviser to Samaritans.

During her talk, she mentioned that one of the key issues facing all support organisations is the extent to which the media can influence what are known as ‘copycat’ suicides.

Whilst there is no doubt that suicide must be reported, otherwise we are in danger of sweeping the issue under the carpet, this highlighted for me the vital need for responsible reporting.

Thankfully, Samaritans have made real inroads in advising media organisations, providing guidelines on how to go about reporting suicides in a sensitive way, without stifling the need to report newsworthy items.

There is no doubt that content can influence behaviour; there is a good deal of evidence that demonstrates how suicide is portrayed on TV, and in newspaper reporting, can have a significant impact.

New and emerging methods by which people choose to take their own lives are especially worrying. It almost seems as if those who have reached the stage of feeling that their life is no longer bearable, perhaps already having made several previous attempts to end their life, may respond all too readily to the suggestion that another method may be more effective in putting an end to their pain.

In this respect, the reporting of celebrity deaths, where all too often graphic detail is given, can have a negative impact; as can suicide highlighting ‘hotspots’.    

What can be particularly distressing is suicide by young people, who may not have given any indication to friends and loved ones of the high level of the distress they were experiencing. One of the reasons for this is that mental health problems still carry a social stigma, making those who are suffering fearful of the reactions of those around them should they admit to their feelings. This make it that much harder for what few support services there are to be able to provide timely appropriate help.

At this time of year, youngsters who are fleeing the nest to start on the next stage of their lives, can be particularly vulnerable.

Life these days is tough and few of us remain untouched by suicide. By remaining alert to the needs of those around us, providing a listening, non-judgmental ear, can make all the difference between life and death.       

VISITOR TASTE OF THE WEST

The summer months across the South West (for what bit of a summer we have had!) heralds the time when the culmination of the hard work of our local communities is celebrated by what seems to be a constant round of village fêtes and shows. I try to attend as many as I can, in order to enjoy the fruits of the tireless year-round labour of our bakers, jam makers, craftsmen, gardeners and flower arrangers, as they come together to show off their results in the hope of coming up trumps as champion for the day. The competition is hot amongst these amateurs.

What I am also mindful of though is the huge number of commercial food and drink producers we have across the South West, many of whom have gained an international reputation for the quality of their products. Yes, the prices are often a little higher than we pay for the bulk-buy mass-produced offerings on sale in supermarkets, but I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to these small businesses and should do all that we can to support them. After all, what price can we put on the love, passion and attention to detail required to produce a morsel or sip of something truly memorable?

This thought brings me nicely onto this year’s Taste of The West Awards, as Champion Product Finalists battle it out for supremacy. Since 1991, this membership organisation, whose ethos is quality, integrity and provenance, has set out to prove that our food and drink producers, and the places that serve and sell their products, really are the best. I could not agree more.

Close to home, amongst this year’s liquid contenders for top dog are these offerings, which will go down a treat with a hunk of Keen’s Somerset Raw Milk Traditional Cheddar for the perfect ploughman’s or Ivan Thompson’s Lean and Lite Pork and Apple Sausages from The Sausage Shed in Stembridge; with just 5% fat they also have the advantage of being gluten free.

Arkells Brewery, Kingsdown, Wilts., who have been making beer since 1843, like to celebrate sporting events with a number of special beers, including their Triple Bogey (3.8% abv), produced for the Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale. Their Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Ale (4.5% abv) brewed just in time for Wimbledon with barley, oats and wheat, topped up with summer fruity hops from around the world, makes for a refreshing summer pint. Also worthy of mention is their Kingsdown (5% abv), with its rich chestnut brown colour, a full bodied malty nose and bold traditional flavour.

John Gilbert has gained recognition, with a number of CAMRA awards under his belt since he started making beer over 30 years ago in 1986, culminating in the formation of Hop Back Brewery, Downton, Wilts., on the outskirts of Salisbury, in 1991. Taiphoon (4.2% abv) is a fantastic pale gold beer with hints of lemongrass and coriander. Also look out for

Summer Lightning (5% abv); brewed year round, this award winning bitter is straw coloured with a terrific fresh, hoppy aroma and a long, dry finish.

For cider lovers, Worley’s, Somerset, (just off the A361 between Shepton Mallet and Frome) has on offer a lightly sparkling medium cider, Red Hen (6.2% abv), which is a blend of early-season bittersweets and sharps. The two main characteristics of this flavourful cider fermented under natural yeast are its fruity apple and spice noted with a long finish.

Tom Putt Cider (6.5% abv), produced by Marshwood Vale, Stony Knapps, Thorncombe, Dorset is made from this West Country apple variety that has been around since the late 1700s. Unlike many others used for cider, this dual-purpose apple can also be used for cooking, where is natural sharpness takes on a sweeter character. The makers pride themselves on the individuality of their ciders, which are fermented over a long period.

For those wishing to avoid alcohol, Mary Durling Sweeter Apple Juice, made from a mixture of dessert apples, may be just the job. Based at Marshwood, Bridport, this feisty woman took on West Dorset District Council to obtain planning permission to turn her six-acre field into a smallholding.

In 2011, with Charlotte Dunham, Mary set up The Peasant Evolution Producers’ Co-Operative, a collective of small-scale producers in West Dorset, South Somerset and East Devon who have joined together to help each other make a viable living off the land. They believe that being a peasant is a way towards the future and promote organic farming, sustainable land management, fairtrade, rural crafts and handmade, healthy local food. Look out for their Allington Hill Apple Juice or for something a little sharper try Tinker’s Bubble Organic Apple Juice, made primarily of Bramleys with a hint of sweet Cox and Russet, pressed on an old fashioned screw cider press at Fivepenny Farm and aged in traditional oak barrels.

BLOOD ON OUR HANDS

There can be few people involved with vulnerable youngsters who will not have been touched, and outraged, by the tragic story this week of the suicidal teenage girl unable to get the support she needs.

In his summing up, High Court Judge Justice Munby is widely quoted as saying that authorities will have ‘blood on our hands’.

I would argue that we already have blood on our hands, and have done for some time. Sadly, when times are tough financially and budget cuts need to be made, it is often the most vulnerable in our society who are the most affected. Their circumstances make it difficult for them to find a voice, to make sure that they are heard, and taken seriously.

The road to suicide can be a long and painful one; often dealt with alone and in secrecy, either through the shame of their feelings and actions, or because those around them are too consumed by their own problems to find the time and space to offer support and get them the help they so badly need.

There are many reason why people choose to end their own lives. In almost all cases it is not that they actually wish to die, but that they find their circumstances so unbearable they can see no other way out. Combine this with mental illness as a result of untreated symptoms and we end up with a toxic mixture.

In all local authorities, there is much talk of ‘prevention’ but little evidence of this taking place as resources are stretched to the limit. This reactive approach means than any intervention that takes place, if indeed there is any, is invariably too late.

Oganisations such as MIND and Samaritans are constantly handling calls from those in complete despair. They know that their life is hell and that in order to get through the day they need professional outside support but all too often they find that they are waiting weeks and months, and even then, the support they receive does not always meet their needs.

The lack of secure residential places for those in extreme distress is just the tip of the iceberg. What I would like to see happen is more of a concerted effort towards ensuring that intervention takes place at the earliest opportunity.

In the case of this young woman, as shocking as it may sound, she may well be better off if allowed to take her own life. The road to recovery for her may be just too late. We should hang our heads in shame at this systematic failure in a so-called civilised society.

General Data Protection Regulation - What's In a Name?

The number of activities and organisations I am involved in means that I am often privy to confidential information and although I consider myself to be relatively tech savvy, in my role as a returning County Councillor, I have started to take notice of and explore the implications of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that comes into force next spring. Always keen on self-improvement, and believing that knowledge is power, I recently took a Data Protection course. 

Clearly something needed to be done to upgrade my IT provision, which is how I came into contact with Cobweb Solutions, and began to question their choice of name as an IT provider. 

I have always been interested in the ‘why’ of things. Until just a few weeks ago the word ‘Cobweb’ meant nothing more to me than a spider’s web. Time for a little research.

The spider is the only animal that can produce different types of silk for different purposes, weaving webs of different shapes and sizes. I liken this to companies that are adaptable enough to be able to provide different services or products to meet customer demand.

Spiders also use their silk to communicate with others, leaving silk trails. Ah, so this is why the internet is known as the worldwide ‘web’. Big brother is watching and can follow our online trail; they know where we have been and what we are interested in; just as a spider can track the movements and activities of its mate.

Spider silk is thin and frail in appearance yet is the strongest fibre on earth; just as the internet has an ‘ethereal’ presence but has now become the most powerful and durable communication tool on earth.

Spider silk also has many uses, just as the internet had developed to not just provide us with an information source but also a varied range of other tools and applications, enabling us to carry out tasks that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

Specifically, a cobweb, also known as a tangled web, is a mess of silk; a great analogy for the mess we all get ourselves into when trying to navigate our way around the web.

Spiders start with spinning a single thread of silk, gradually building up its web from the centre. I can see the analogy here in relation to companies that start off small with a single product and service, and then expand their offering.

For all businesses and organisations, constantly re-inventing themselves and upping their game is the only way to survive where technology is gaining pace at a rate none of us could ever have imagines just a few decades ago.

Thankfully companies like Cobweb have all the tools and expertise needed to make sure that in an increasingly litigious environment I can stay ahead of the game when protecting personal data. The implications of not doing so do not bear thinking about.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY

So, now we know that the BBC is asserting that it is in favour of transparency, as it is dragged kicking and screaming to reveal the salaries of its highest paid employees. 

We must make of this what we will, but what it does demonstrate is the shift away from paying the salaries that a particular job warrants, to seeing who can be hired and for how much. Those with the most clout are obviously calling all the shots, and we get to pay for it.

The most effective way to curb the practice is for us to simply switch off; although I for one would miss John Humphries’ acerbic wit.

The practice of paying such disparate salaries is well established within many organisations. When advertising posts it is now common practice to ask candidates to state what salary they require rather than stating what the role in question warrants.

Whilst we all want to earn as much as possible, I find this focus on income distasteful. Many of the BBC’s listeners and viewers would just like to take home enough to feed and clothe their families and provide a roof over their heads. 

Samaritans Light Up County Hall

County Hall in Taunton will be lit up in green on the night of 24th July in support of the work done throughout Somerset by Samaritans.

The date 24/7 is a significant one for the charity which prides itself on being available to give emotional support to callers every hour of the day and night.

The scheme to light up County Hall in Samaritan colours highlights Somerset's commitment to suicide prevention and raises awareness of the support needed by so many people who are struggling to cope.

Volunteers at the Taunton branch of Samaritans, at 16Wood Street, answered over 40,000 calls last year, with volunteers putting in 580 hours of their own time to help those who are in distress or despair, including those who are suicidal.

Together with branches in Bath, Weston Super Mare and Yeovil, they provide round the clock services – listening to calls, answering emails and texts and talking to anyone who comes into the branch.

Every six seconds, someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland contacts Samaritans and, on average, 17 people per day take their own life.

Samaritans believes that listening is crucial to helping people find their way through their problems, and the charity encourages people to seek help early, rather than wait until they reach a crisis.
Director of Taunton Samaritans, Bob Cornes, said:

 “Lighting up County Hall in Samaritans colours is a visual reminder of our commitment to helping those in need of emotional support.  We hope they will call us.  It is also a reminder for anyone out there who wants to make a real difference to people’s lives to think about joining Samaritans as a volunteer.   It is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Volunteers from Taunton Samaritans will be available at Taunton Station on 24/7 to talk to travellers and to collect money for the charity, which relies entirely on donations to run the branch.

Further information:

Samaritans 24 hour Helpline:     116 123 (free from any phone)
To volunteer for Taunton Samaritans: director@tauntonsamaritans.org.uk
To volunteer for Samaritans elsewhere: online at www.samaritans.org
Notes for Editors and Media Guidelines are available at www.samaritans.org

CONTROLLING INFORMATION LEAKS

As Parliament stands for its summer recess news headlines have focused on Cabinet divisions and the subsequent leaks.

Such leaks have long been the thorn in the side of both local and national governments worldwide, but we should remember that businesses, particularly large corporations, suffer in much the same way.

What leaders need to consider, in attempting to stifle opposing views and supress potentially damaging information, is why it is felt right to leak what is intended to be confidential information.
In the majority of cases, far from being seen to be in the public interest, it is for political or personal gain.

Nervousness generated by the increased focus on data protection, and the introduction of new legislation next year, means that increasingly matters are kept confidential which should be in the public domain.

Those who participate in public life and hold positions of responsibility are expected to adhere to the Nolan principles, which includes openness. Information involving decisions and actions taken should only be restricted when the wider public interest demands it. I believe it is this lack of openness that is at the heart of many leaks. When we feel we are not kept in the picture, we gain the impression that something underhand is afoot.

What we should all be aware of, is the extent to which, in order to stifle open debate, leaders will often resort to effectively paying for votes, by enlisting the support of their allies, creating roles that will ensure their support. I distinctly recall noting the comments of one leader, who in an unguarded moment said, ‘the job I created for him.’

For me it sums up all that is rotten in the echelons of our society. As long as this situation exists the leaking of information will continue.

Where unpopular decisions need to be taken most reasonable people will accept the outcome if they feel fully informed, able to play a part in the decision, and understand the reasons behind it.

Effective and inclusive communication is the key to this. Sadly, behind closed doors too much discussion is focused on point scoring against opponents, instead of concentrating on the core purpose. We should all aim to do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons. This is a personal mantra I repeat to myself several times a day when required to make decisions or take action on behalf of those I represent. It is after all the tax payers’ money that pays our wages. As a result, I often find myself in hot water, but as least I go to bed at night with a clear conscience.

The fact that I have a reputation for openness is one I am proud of but if I do want to keep anything confidential, I tell no-one anything. I can at least rely on keeping my own trap very firmly shut.

PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

At a recent council meeting, and in line with recent press reports relating to the issue of public-sector pay levels, a debate was held following a proposal for pay to be reviewed. There was unanimous approval for a review to be undertaken in the autumn.

During the debate, two thoughts occurred to me. The first was in connection with a comment made about the disparity between public-sector pay and that of the private sector. I believe that to compare the two is disingenuous. Those employed in the private sector know all too well the impact of business ‘transformation’ which has resulted in redundancies and pay cuts across the economy; with job roles often redefined to justify this stance.

The second statement that caused me to take note was that public-sector staff are now ‘working harder for less’.

If indeed this is the case, then this is largely as a result of funding cuts at a time when public demand for services is on the increase. Playing devil’s advocate, there is of course the argument that there are only so many hours in a day and we can only work so hard; if staff are working harder now, does this mean that perhaps they weren’t working as hard as they could in the first place?

In an average week, I work around 70 hours, but in my own case this is because I choose to do so, not because I am required to do the bidding of a demanding boss with unrealistic expectations.

Where staff are working beyond their contracted hours to get the job done, the fault lies in the allocation and management of their work load. This is down to senior management and brings into play the very real issue of staff frequently working extremely long hours to satisfy unreasonable demands on them. 

Those who work like Trojans do so feel because they feel obliged to do so, in order to keep their jobs. This is where the real problem lies, and it is clearly unacceptable. No wonder sickness levels are high; it is the only way that many can cope with the pressure.

Addressing Social Inequalities

In the current economic climate, and in line with the equality and diversity agenda, all responsible organisations are increasingly focusing on reaching out to the minority groups amongst our population; whether this is based on ethnicity, religion, age, sexual preference or other factors.

Where there are issues with regard to proportional representation or access to health and education services, for example, much of the time is spent on forming task groups and forums in an attempt to address what is perceived as the problem.

As might be expected, as a result of the resources put into these fact-finding exercises, someone, somewhere, has to ensure that ‘outcomes’ are met; to please the box tickers perhaps?

Personally, I am always left with the feeling that much of the time, effort and money put into reaching out to hard-to-reach groups is out of balance when measured against the results actually achieved.

Whilst I believe it is absolutely right to want to work towards an inclusive society, one where we are tolerant and understanding of others, what we must not forget is that in many cases people will not want to be singled out for special treatment or engage with officialdom.

Where individuals do choose to engage, as in much of the rest of society, it is often a small number activists who do so, and who do not necessarily represent the views of the wider community they are part of.

What worries me most is the tendency for those being tasked with taking action to be patronising in their approach, wanting to put us in boxes, with labels. I have spent my life going out of my way to avoid being pigeon-holed in this way.  

We are in real danger of excluding the vast majority of our society who are increasingly feeling disaffected. All most of us want is to be able to get on with our lives with minimum interference.

Sadly, in the case of the survivors of the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower, they are now suffering from an overdose of do-gooders falling over themselves to offer support. The cynic in me is inclined to think that guilt may well play a part in this sudden flurry of activity.

Organisational transformation > staff cuts

Times have certainly been hard for many of us in recent years. Whoever we might choose to blame for the austerity measures that have caused severe cuts to funding for local authority services, the issue is a complex one. The demographics of our population is constantly changing, and the demands and expectations of the electorate are increasing rapidly.  

Along with other district councillors, I recently attended a workshop at South Somerset District Council relating to their ‘transformation’ plans. Despite what any of us may think, transformation in the context of local authorities is invariably synonymous with cuts and job losses. This is quite rightly giving cause for concern.

In the case of South Somerset, work has been going on for some time, with a cross party team of officers and elected members working together to consider ways in which the limited resources available can be put to best use.

We are told that in order to improve service provision ‘customers’, for which read the man on the street, will be ‘enabled’, meaning that they will now have to become digital DIY experts when it comes to accessing information and advice from their local authority.

I remain sceptical for a number of reasons. We all have experience of the numerous organisations with which we do business on a regular basis becoming ever more remote when it comes to personal contact. Reliable internet access is still spasmodic across the county. Our ageing population are not always internet savvy, poorer families do not have the wherewithal to purchase the necessary devices, and what of those who have limited digital literacy?

In my own experience, being enabled to carry out functions myself usually involves pressing button 1, 2 or 3, then being put on hold for ages, often at my own expense. Or else, when visiting a website, being presented with a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions), none of which bear any resemblance to my own burning issue. Being able to find direct contact details for any individual is increasingly impossible. All I want, all most of us want, is to be able to speak to a real live person who can in a matter of minutes solve the problem or, at the very least, take ownership.

Having said all of this, SSDC’s ‘transformation programme’, although in its early stages, seems to have, so far, been reasonably well thought out, with a real attempt to ensure everyone involved is well informed. Thankfully, elected members such as myself have had the opportunity to raise our concerns.

It remains to be seen whether or not in the fullness of time SSDC’s ambitions to be a great place to work for, excellent to work with, and leading the way in delivering for our communities will be realised. For the sake of our residents, I sincerely hope so.

In any event, it is likely that in re-figuring job roles there with be 77 less positions required, resulting in some redundancies. This need not necessarily be bad news for those affected. At the age of 61, I was made redundant last year and it has been the best thing that could have happened. I am now working considerably less hours for three times the pay. 

Sometimes circumstances beyond our control can give us just the push we need to take the opportunity to transform our own lives.

Universal Credit and Homelessness

Homelessness is a big issue across the country, but judging by the small number of district councillors who chose to attend a recent workshop on Universal Credit and the Homelessness Reduction Act, you would think it is hardly an issue at all in South Somerset.

A total of 14 out of 60 elected representatives rolled up on one of the hottest days of the year to find out more about what is happening to some of our most vulnerable people. Personally, as flippant as the notion is, I was pleased to be able to get out of the heat for a few hours. I suspect that as many councillors are what we call ‘twin hatters’, those newly elected bods who have tucked their feet beneath the tables at county hall will consider their priorities lie there at present.

Certainly, as I know myself, juggling one’s commitments can be a tricky business; a clear case for not permitting members to serve on more than one council.

In its simplest form, Universal Credit, which is a digital service, was introduced locally in 2016 and has now been put in place across the county. Basically, if you do not have access to, or are able to use a digital device, tough.

When it comes to the homeless, it is a legal duty for local authorities to provide assistance to homeless people in their area, but I am always mindful that the link between homelessness and other associated issues such as mental health problems, requires multi-agency working. It is something that over the years we seem to have spent endless amounts of time talking about, with very little being achieved in reality.

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, due to be in place by April 2018, local authorities will legally have a duty to take on responsibility for preventing anyone becoming homeless who at is at danger of doing so, within 56 days. 

There will now be more focus on prevention, along with the need to provide individuals with personal housing plans. This will include a requirement for them to be willing to engage with agencies providing debt, alcohol or drug support where required.

At this point I feared for my blood pressure. As a proponent of social responsibility, although we must never accept excuses, what is missing here is a basic understanding of why people behave the way they do, knowing full well that it will have a detrimental impact on their lives.    

It seems that there is support in place, but I remain concerned about what is being done to effectively communicate with those who for whatever reason are unable or unwilling to engage with the services that can help them. When posing the question during the session I attended the response was ’In some cases there could be 6 or 7 different services involved’.

My argument is that if so many people are involved and there is still a problem then clearly whatever method is in place is not working.